Qing Boxes
QING STYLE
The last imperial dynasty from 1644 to 1912 was a time of change in China, beginning with the invasion by Manchurian forces that ended the Ming dynasty and established the Shunzhi Emperor. The expansion of exportation and trade that had bolstered the arts during the Ming era continued, as Qing dynasty furniture involved the same attention to craftsmanship with expert construction techniques in hardwood pieces that were assembled with mortise and tenon joints rather than nails or glue. Together, these eras comprise a golden age of Chinese furniture design.
Ming-style furniture is simple and elegant with clean lines. Chairs of the period and other Ming furniture made an impression on Scandinavian modernist Hans Wegner and his streamlined seating, for example. Whereas Qing-style furniture is elaborate, with an increasing influence from the West leading to lavish carving inspired by the European Baroque and Rococo styles. And while many of the forms that define examples of the latter are common within classical Chinese furniture, such as curving and folding chairs as well as large screens, Qing designs are laden with ornamentation. Frequently, the carved motifs and inlaid designs in mother-of-pearl were auspicious, such as peonies for wealth or dragons for luck. Bats were symbols of happiness in the design of Qing furniture, with one of the characters in the word for bat, bianfu, being a homophone for fu, or “fortune.”
While several types of wood were used in the construction of Qing beds, tables, storage pieces and seating, today’s collectors know that the most prized were the rare rosewoods zitan and huanghuali. They were both sourced from Hainan, China’s largest island, and are marked by a rich luster that occurs naturally, without the application of lacquer or other decorative materials. Many of the most popular woods were imported from southeast Asia, adding to their value. Red sandalwood was also sought after for its durability and connection with Chinese medicine, with some chairs being made for health benefits.
Find a collection of antique Qing tea tables, stools, benches, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
to
1
96
10
60
26
24
2
5
1
2
1
1,070
873
775
669
274
223
182
181
127
124
113
111
100
88
81
71
43
25
49
47
27
17
15
79
14
95
93
93
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
96
96
96
Style: Qing
Pair Of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Quail Boxes, Qing Dynasty, Late 19Th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE CHINESE CLOISONNE TRINKET BOXES
Extremely tactile little boxes in the form of a male and female quail with polychrome enamels.
Very characterful and charming depiction of t...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Lacquered Happiness Box with Birds & Blossoms, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely lacquered box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. Dated to the late 19th centu...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Canton Carved Wooden Jewelry Box, 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An antique Chinese Canton Qing wooden jewelry box carved in high relief with figural panels and dating from the 19th century. This stunning box of rectangular casket shape stands on a pedestal shaped base with a carved edge and has relief carved figural panels...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood
Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A small brass canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the 19th century and is decorated with etchi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper
Petite Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass with a copper interior and...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red and Brown Lacquer Jewelry Box with Carved Foliage
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Qing Dynasty red and dark brown lacquer elmwood jewelry box from the 19th century with carved and gilt motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty era, this j...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Tea Caddy, Lacquered Wood with Gilded Decorations
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautifully crafted Chinese export tea caddy made of wood with black lacquer, richly adorned with gilded motifs featuring classical Chinese scenes of people, houses, and more.
The ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Huanghuali Document Box
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Huanghuali document box with original brass mounts.
Features a rectangular lid with ornate cut-out brass corners, brass bound down a...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Cloisonne Box with Carved Jade Inset Medallion
Located in Stamford, CT
Circa 1900 Chinese box decorated with green, blue, red and yellow floral design set against a white background. The top with a carved white jade floral medallion. The apple green ena...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Jade, Brass
Chinese Lao Tian Li Cloisonne Cylindrical Box, Late Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful antique Chinese cloisonné cylindrical box and cover by Lao Tian Li, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The box of cylindrical form and w...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Qing Dynasty Rattan and Bamboo Nested Lunch Basket with Carved Handle
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period rattan and bamboo two-tier nested lunch basket from the 19th century, with carved handle and calligraphy. This exquisite 19th-century Chinese lunch basket, masterfully crafted from rattan and bamboo, offers a blend of functionality and decorative appeal. Featuring two-tier nesting sections and a circular lid, this antique piece is accentuated by a robust bamboo handle that is gracefully adorned with painted calligraphy, adding an element of cultural artistry.
Originally designed for carrying meals, today this versatile basket serves multiple purposes—it can function as a unique picnic basket, a charming decorative item, or a clever solution for storing and organizing everyday items in your home. Its intricate design and natural materials bring a touch of rustic elegance to any setting, making it a perfect addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Ideal for display in a kitchen, dining room, or living area, this Chinese antique lunch...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Rattan, Bamboo
Chinese Brass Hand Warmer with Phoenix, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted 19th century brass brazier once warmed the hands of a wealthy woman on a cold winter's night in northern China. Designed to let he...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing dynasty. Colored black and gold all-over beautifully with intricate designs.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese White Brass Happiness Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this petite 19th-century brass brazier once warmed the hands of a well-to-do person on a cold winter's night in northern China. The brazier is crafted of white brass in a rectangular form, complete with a hinged handle and an intricately pierced lid with a chrysanthemum pattern. The exterior is etched with a pattern of golden coins...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Qing Lacquered and Inlaid Handled Sewing Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and fine antique Chinese Qing lacquered and inlaid papier mache handled sewing box with decorative panels dating from latter 19th or early 20th century. The sewing box is of round cylindrical shape with a swing carry handle and is inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone. The body is made up of eight oval shaped scenes of typical Chinese style with buildings and people picked out with inset abalone and mother of pearl and highlighted and contained within a gilded border. These are set between bands of patterned abalone and against a blue silk background. A similar band of abalone is applied to the swing handle. The cover sits within a recess and is made up of bands on inset abalone with cut out triangular designs and set over blue silk with a small finely carved mother of pearl handle...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Silk, Lacquer
Chinese Baitong Stacking Incense Clock, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This three-tiered container is a 19th-century white brass incense clock, once used as a relatively accurate method to mark the passage of time. Incense c...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Large Mother of Pearl Mounted Armorial Tea Caddy for MacPherson
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare, incredible and large antique Chinese carved mother of pearl mounted tea caddy with armorial for MacPherson and dating from circa...
Category
1770s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Antique Chinoiserie Box
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinoiserie decorated fruit box. Beautiful decorated Chinoiserie box used to serve fruits and specail treats. Hand gilt painting over red lacquer. Strong patina of wear so...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Canton Enamel Lobed Round Box, Qianlong Mark, Late Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A well painted Chinese Canton enamel lobed round box and cover featuring the Eight Immortals, with a Qianlong mark to the underside, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China
The deligh...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
White Brass Five Blessings Chinese Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this finely crafted 19th-century brazier once warmed the hands of a wealthy lady on a cold winter's night in northern China. The portable brazier is hand-w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Small Chinese Cloisonne and Hardstone Trinket Box, Republic Period, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely small Chinese export cloisonne trinket box with a carved hardstone roundel, Early Republic Period circa 1915, China.
The small cloisonne box set on four short bun feet, and...
Category
1910s Chinese Vintage Qing Boxes
Materials
Stone, Copper, Enamel
Round red lacquered and gold leaf work box - China 19th Qing Dynasty
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Magnificent round box in red lacquer in two parts.
Completely decorated by hand. With gilded, gold decoration.
There are floral and geometric decorations, handmade interlacing, with gold leaf.
The box is placed on 4 feet.
The interior is lacquered black.
Very nice dimensions.
This box shows some wear due to its age and authenticity.
This round Chinese box in red and gold lacquered woven bamboo Was probably a wedding box, a work box, a storage box.
It can be used as a hat box, sewing box, games box or tea bag box...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Brea, CA
Middle 19th century Chinese Export double lacquer tea caddy on stand from the Qing dynasty. octagonal form with hinged lid ,divided interior with me...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Petite Chinese Brass Opium Box with Dragon Etching
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite metal canister was once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Providing an airtight seal, the small box is formed of brass with an etched and stamped d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Altar Opium Stand with Dali Marble, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the mid-19th century, this petite hardwood box captures in miniature the elaborate form of a traditional Chinese altar table. Crafted of a dense hardwood, the narrow box is ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Marble
Small Chinese Black Cloisonne Box, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
A small and lovely Chinese black ground cloisonne box with peony design, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The small cloisonne box raised on four bun feet, and decorated with a design of blossoming peony against a black enamel ground inlaid with geometric wire work in the "wan" pattern.
The large blooms of peony depicted in pleasing shades of red, pink, and yellow enamel, with leaves of dark and light green enamel. The colored enamels pop against the black cloisonne...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
18th/19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Circular Box with Multiple Cartouches
Located in New York, NY
An 18th/19th Century Chinese cinnabar circular box with multiple cartouches of Families. This is a marvelous piece with very fine details on the main top panel of the box. The top pa...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Canton Enamel Round Stacking Boxes and Cover, circa 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely lovely Chinese export pink Canton enamel round stacking box and cover, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The circular stacking box consists of a bowl form base, ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Erotic Chinese Baitong Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite white brass (baitong) canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Dated to the 19th-century, the box is an example of Qing-dynasty erotica, incorp...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Petite Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass and provided an airtight s...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box circa 1910.
Good quality chinese export table top vanity box. Hand painted in a plum and black colour scheme in a lacquered finish.
Cube sh...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Large Chinese Pigskin Storage Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century large pigskin storage box, Chinese. Late Qing dynasty. Burnt red color & silvered brass or paktong fittings; the handles & their back plates of good quality. Label ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Coconut tea pot - China - late 18th / early 19th - Qing - Asian Art
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty and old tea pot, gourd shaped, in sculpted coconut, chiseled and mounted on pewter.
The cap is also made of pewter.
The coconut is decorated with imperial motifs.
Chinese...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Tin
Chinese Hardwood Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Long ago, this elegant rosewood box was used by a Qing-dynasty lady to store her favorite pieces of jewelry, each drawer filled with jades, pearls, coral necklaces, and hair pins. Th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Gilt Lacquer Stacking Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely painted box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. Used like a modern lunchbox, e...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Bamboo
Qing Dynasty Square Box with Brass Lock and Distressed Lacquer Interior
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period square shaped box from the 19th century with brass lock, metal hardware and distressed lacquer interior. Born during the 19th century, this exquisite Qi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Antique Lidded Carrying Box
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Antique Lidded Carrying Box from the early 20th century with lid and carved handle. Unveil a world of timeless elegance with this Chinese late Qi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Hardwood Opium Bowl Stand, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed to resemble a scroll-form altar table, this narrow footed box has an elegant silhouette with waterfall sides and minimal ornamentation. Dated to the late 19th century, the b...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing Dynasty. Decorated all over beautifully with intricate designs and images of ancient C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Copper Coin Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of antique coins and copper and pro...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper
Chinese Cloisonne Double Peach Box, Republic Period, early 20th century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Chinese turquoise ground cloisonne "double peach" box and cover with shaped hardwood stand, Republic Period (1911 to 1949), early 20th century, China.
The box formed as a p...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Lattice Top Incense Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This slender metal container is a 19th-century white brass incense burner, used for storing and burning incense sticks. The small box has a rectangular form and a removable sliding t...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Decorative Antique Chinese Stacking Box, Shanxi Province
Located in Kastrup, DK
A portable stacking box featuring five separate tiers, crafted from limewood and originally coated in black lacquer. Remnants of the lacquer are still visible, lending the container ...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Iron
Chinese Shagreen Glasses Case with Tassels, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This Chinese spectacle case is carved from wood with a striking shagreen covering. The case dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), still in wonderful condition with a rich deep col...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century Qing Carved Lacquer and Varnished Wood Decorative Box, China
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Qing lacquer and hand-carved varnished wood decorative box, China
By: unknown
Material: wood, lacquer
Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, lacquered, varn...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Turquoise Cloisonne Trinket Box, Republic Period, c 1920, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Chinese turquoise cloisonne trinket box with images of the Hundred Antiques, Republic Period, circa 1920, China.
The rectangular box de...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Late Qing Dynasty Rattan Tiered Lunch Box with Carved Handle and Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique late Qing Dynasty period rattan two-tiered nested lunch box from the early 20th century, with calligraphy and carved handle. Born during the early years of the 20th centur...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Antique Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning antique Qing Dynasty Chinese export twin canister tea caddy / decorative table box. circa 1860
Hand-crafted in China for the European market when rare and exotic oriental...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Pewter
Chinese Miniature Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A treasure of a chest, this charming miniature cabinet is named for the narrow, rounded molding that surrounds the frame and resembles noodles. Lacquered rich red, the small cabinet exhibits the same high level of craftsmanship found in larger such cabinets made in the Qing dynasty with exquisitely painted floral decorations and handcrafted hardware. The cabinet opens to a single shelf, making it just the place to stow jewelry...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Picnic Box, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
The basic form of this two-tiered box with handle has remained unchanged for 1,000 years. Stacked boxes were commonly used as portable containers for food or ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquered Treasure Chest Box with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period red lacquered treasure chest box from the 19th century, with brass hardware. Born during the 19th century, this exquisite Qing Dynasty red lacquered treasure ch...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century 14.25‘’ Large Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing Dynasty. Decorated beautifully all over with intricate designs and images of ancient C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
18th century Chinese hard wood coffer chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare 18th century perhaps earlier hard wood coffer, circa 1790.
Presented in original un-restored condition. Original handles and metal work to outer edges.
Lid opens on ringed ha...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Petite Repoussé Traveling Mirror, c. 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite traveling mirror dates to the early 20th century and is crafted with a metal frame embellished with allover repoussé decoration. Designed after Qing-dynasty vanity boxes,...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Metal
Chinese Gilt Lacquer Hat Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
No self-respecting man in Qing-dynasty China would leave the house without some kind of hat. In fact, headgear was so central to social status that even the containers used to store ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Hide, Fabric, Wood
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Qing Dynasty Chinese export gilt decorated black lacquer tea caddy. Hexagonal shape with floral chased pewter covered caddies deta...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Qing boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing boxes made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $276 and tops out at $57,280 while the average work can sell for $1,080.